Falling in love over cricket: 79 percent Indian couples like to watch women's cricket matches together

As the world readies itself for the much-anticipated women’s cricket tournament this week, it seems that romance is also in the air—along with a bit of sweat and cheering!

You know what they say: “A couple that plays together stays together.” And Bumble’s recent data reveals just how crucial shared interests, especially in sports, are for today’s lovebirds. With nearly 72% of Indians keen on going for a sporty outing on a first date, it’s safe to say that the pitch is ripe for romance.

So, over 79% of Indians are eager to attend the upcoming women’s cricket matches with a special someone. Bumble’s got over 50 sports badges to choose from, and it’s no shocker that cricket and football take the cake in India. As we roll into October, 61% of Indians are particularly interested in dates revolving around cricket. Who knew that love could be so closely tied to a good ol’ cricket match?

A Match Made in Sports Heaven

Pracheta Mazumdar, Bumble’s Senior Marketing Manager for India, has some wisdom to share: “With women cricket stars due to be in the spotlight over the next few weeks and a constant stream of sports documentaries, sports is taking a central role in dating today.”

Research shows that for one in three singles, a mutual love of sports is a “must-have,” whether you’re batting or cheering from the sidelines. Indian singles are on the lookout for that special someone to bond over their shared passion, whether that’s catching a live event, binging on sports documentaries, or getting active together.

So, if you’re out there searching for a connection this sporting season, don’t forget to slap those favorite sports badges on your Bumble profile! Whether it’s cricket, football, or even padel, showcasing your interests could lead you to your next MVP—Most Valuable Partner!

Dealbreakers and Icebreakers: The Sports Connection

But wait—love for sports isn’t just a charming conversation starter; it can also be a dealbreaker. In Bumble’s survey, 44% of Indian respondents admitted that if their crush isn’t into sports, it’s a no-go. It’s not just about asking, “Do you love me?” anymore; it’s also, “Do you love cricket?” For many sports enthusiasts, discussing their teams is a bonding moment, and they’re eager to swap tips, chat about their favorite players, and attend matches together.

Nearly 72% of Indians find the idea of a sports-related date downright irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a big win or sulking after a defeat, singles are now seeking partners who can share in the highs and lows of sports—because nothing says romance like a shared love for a last-minute goal!

Women’s Sports: The New Green Flag

With the rise of women’s sports, more female athletes are stealing the spotlight, and Millennial and Gen Z women are using this as a litmus test for compatibility. Nearly 79% of women surveyed believe that men who show an interest in women’s sports are much more attractive. The majority (84%) agree that making jokes or derogatory comments about female athletes is a definite turn-off and could snuff out a budding romance faster than a bad haircut!

When it comes to cricket, a whopping 73% of Indian women prefer dating a guy who’s into women’s cricket over men’s cricket. Whether it’s catching a match or sharing the joy of the game, loving women’s sports might just be the new green flag in the dating game.

For those on the hunt for like-minded connections, Bumble makes it easier with its interest badges. With over 40 sports badges available, you can find your perfect match and kick off conversations about your favorite games in no time!